Addressing ESG in an ultra-low-cost environment
Shifting requirements for supply chain traceability and carbon footprint disclosure, along with solar oversupply and unsustainably low module prices, have made 2024 a challenging year for PV manufacturers. Despite these obstacles, the industry remains committed to its crucial role in the global energy transition. pv magazine recently spoke with Haimeng Zhang, chief strategy and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) officer at Longi Green Energy, about how the sector is preparing to meet these challenges.
China connects its first large-scale flywheel storage project to grid
The 30 MW plant is the first utility-scale, grid-connected flywheel energy storage project in China and the largest one in the world.
The Hydrogen Stream: Hydrogen storage in lakes, reservoirs
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology researchers have told pv magazine that hydrogen storage pipelines and gravel could become a reality in lakes or water reservoirs in Europe, the United States, Japan, or China within 10 years. “The technology required to implement the proposed system is available, simple and cheap,” they said.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Aiko Solar, GoodWe, Ginlong Solis post H1 profit declines
Aiko Solar, GoodWe, and Ginlong Solis have all posted declines in net profit for the first half of 2024 due to industry overcapacity.
European researchers unveil solid-state battery with 1,070 Wh/L energy density
A European research consortium has produced a prototype solid-state battery using a new manufacturing process that reportedly achieves high energy densities and can be implemented on modern lithium-ion battery production lines.
Italian startup develops thermo-mechanical PV panel recycling process
Venice-based 9-tech has developed a thermomechanical process to recycle end-of-life PV panels, with early results showing an 87% recovery yield of materials such as silicon, copper, and silver.
‘Women have a natural high competence in managing risk’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Ying Zhang, founder of Sweden-based Fenec. She says women should accept their physical disadvantage while exploiting our strength to select roles and responsibilities. “For example, every solar project requires investment analysis and project coordination, where our analytical skills and communication competence can contribute significantly to project success,” she stated.
Typhoon Yagi triggers significant drop in solar production across Southeast Asia
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports the Typhoon Yagi caused a significant reduction in solar power generation across key cities in Vietnam, China, and the Philippines, with some areas reporting their lowest irradiance days on record for September.
Australia launches multimillion-dollar green hydrogen auction with Germany
Investment confidence in Australia’s green hydrogen industry has received a $660 million boost following a joint declaration with Germany to negotiate supply chains that guarantee European buyers for Australian products.
Taiwan installs 2.7 GW of new solar in 2023
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) says the island added 2.7 GW of new solar capacity last year, bringing its total capacity to 12.41 GW by December 2023. Feed-in tariffs for installations up to 100 kW continue to drive the market.
